Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 19 2009:
Though the State is proud to inherit a legacy of theatre movement, right from the era of king Bhagyachandra, the way disposable open air theatres are left exposed to the rain and sun, without any care evokes a serious question on the continuing legacy of the State's theatre movement.
The disposable open air theatres, so named according to the terminology used by Art and Culture Department, were specifically constructed for the National Drama Festival held after every three years.
These disposable open air theatres were constructed at the average rate of around Rs 5 lakhs each.
However, notwithstanding the huge amounts spent on these theatres, they are left to their own once the drama festivals are over.
On the other hand, Art and Culture Department started organising National Dance festival since 1989 after every three years.
For the National Dance Festivals, Art and Culture Department constructed two theatre platforms, categorised as disposable open air theatres, at Langthabal and Kangla.
The open air theatre at Kangla was built in 2007, just to the east of Shree Shree Govindajee temple over an area of 70 square feet, which was earlier occupied by a mandop.
The platform was made of wooden planks over RCC pillars.
The gallery was made of RCC.
But the wooden platform is in shaky condition today due to prolonged exposure to rain and sun.
The wooden planks are so worn out that a little pressure was enough to break them.
One official of Art and Culture Department said that the Department has been organising National Dance Festival after every three years to preserve Ras Leela festival introduced by king Bhagyachandra.
To host these dance festivals, disposable open air theatres were constructed at historical places like Langthabal and Kangla.
The amount required for construction of these types of theatre platforms were also incorporated in the State budget.
As the festival is held different venues necessitating construction of open air theatres at these venues, thereby incurring huge expenditure, the Department would consider selecting a venue to host the festival permanently.